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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have identified UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, a rare quadruple star system with two brown dwarfs orbiting two red dwarfs.

    Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

    About UPM J1040−3551 AabBab:

    • Overview: Newly discovered quadruple star system in the Milky Way.
    • Composition: Two cold T-type brown dwarfs orbiting a pair of young red dwarf stars.
    • Uniqueness: First known system of its kind; extremely rare as brown dwarfs usually exist alone, with less than 5% chance of companions.
    • Significance: Offers new insights into the formation and evolution of low-mass stars and sub-stellar objects.

    What are Brown Dwarfs?

    • Overview: Celestial objects between stars and planets in characteristics.
    • Formation: Form like stars from collapsing gas and dust but lack sufficient mass for sustained hydrogen fusion.
    • Nickname: Often called “failed stars” due to absence of sustained nuclear fusion.
    • Mass Range: Can reach up to about 70 times the mass of Jupiter.
    • Atmosphere: Similar to gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, with molecules and water vapor clouds.
    • Detection: Very faint and cold; usually identified in multiple-star systems where brighter stars help estimate their properties.
    • Astronomical Importance: Help define the boundary between stars and planets; provide clues to conditions necessary for stellar and planetary formation.
    • Cosmological Role: Studying their abundance and distribution aids in understanding mass distribution in the universe and connections to dark matter.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

    Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

    (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct*

     

  • First Human Case of New World Screwworm in US

    Why in the News?

    The US authorities have reported the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm.

    About New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax):

    • Overview: Called “man-eater” larvae in Latin; South America and the Caribbean.
    • Larval Stage: Eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into wounds of warm-blooded animals (including humans) and feed on living flesh in a screw-like motion.
    • Life Cycle: After feeding, larvae fall to soil, pupate, and emerge as adult Blue-grey blowfly.
    • Human Infestation (Myiasis): Causes painful non-healing wounds, bleeding, foul odour, sensation of movement; may lead to sepsis or death if untreated.
    • Eradication in USA: Eliminated in 1966 using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) by mass release of sterile males.

    Current Spread and Concerns:

    • Recent Outbreaks: Detected in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
    • Cause of Spread: Likely linked to movement of infested cattle across regions.
    • Possible Weakness in SIT: Current strain of sterilized flies may be less effective than earlier strains.
    • New Human Case: First travel-associated screwworm myiasis reported in the United States in 2025.
    • Livestock Threat: Serious danger to cattle industry; risk of animal suffering and economic loss.
    • Biosecurity Risk: Reemergence could undo decades of eradication efforts if uncontrolled.
    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

    2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

    Why in the News?

    ISRO has successfully conducted IADT-1, a key milestone for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

    What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

    About Air Drop Test (ADT-1):

    • Test Setup: A dummy crew module weighing nearly 5 tonnes was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of about 3 km.
    • Purpose: To test the parachute-based deceleration system that will slow the crew module during re-entry and ensure a safe splashdown.
    • Parachute Sequence: Parachutes deployed in order — first drogue chutes, followed by three main parachutes — slowing the capsule to about 8 metres per second before landing.
    • Outcome: The touchdown matched expectations, successfully validating the design for human re-entry and landing.

    Roadmap for Gaganyaan:

    • Objective: The ultimate goal is to send Indian astronauts to low-earth orbit on a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
    • Validation Tests: A series of safety validation tests are planned before the crewed mission.
    • Crew Escape System (CES): Already tested with TV-D1 in October 2023; TV-D2 will demonstrate a more complex abort scenario.
    • First Uncrewed Mission (G1): Will carry the humanoid robot Vyommitra to simulate astronaut operations.
    • Parallel Trials: Multiple air drop tests and subsystem validations, including parachute trials and life-support system checks, will continue.
    • Key Technologies: Critical systems under development include the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS), and a strengthened human-rated LVM3 rocket.
    • Timeline: The first human spaceflight (H1) is currently targeted for 2027, though delays are possible due to complexity in human-rating systems.

    Long-term Goals:

    • Foundation: Gaganyaan marks the beginning of India’s long-term human spaceflight programme.
    • Space Station: The GoI has announced the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) to be established by 2035.
    • Lunar Mission: India aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
    • Critical Technologies: Capabilities such as in-orbit docking, demonstrated by the SpaDeX mission in 2025, will be essential for future missions.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following space missions:

    I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan

    How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?

    Options:

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None

     

  • Asgard Archaea and the Evolution of Complex Cells

    Why in the News?

    Recent research by IISc on Asgard archaea — the closest living relatives of eukaryotes — has shed new light on how simple prokaryotic cells evolved into complex eukaryotic cells with nuclei, cytoskeletons, and organelles.

    About Asgard Archaea:

    • Nature: Tiny microbes living in deep-sea mud and extreme environments.
    • Evolutionary Link: Closest relatives of eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, humans).
    • Importance: Help explain how simple prokaryotic cells (bacteria/archaea) evolved into complex eukaryotic cells.
    • Significance: Considered the “missing link” in the origin of complex life.

    Findings from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Study:

    • Focus: Scientists studied a subgroup called Odinarchaeota.
    • Discovery: Found two FtsZ genes (most microbes have one) and a tubulin-like gene.
      • FtsZ1: Works like bacterial proteins → forms straight filaments and attaches to cell membranes.
      • FtsZ2: Builds spiral structures but needs helper proteins to stick to membranes.
    • Division of Labour: Cooperation of FtsZ1 and FtsZ2 shows early signs of cellular specialisation.
    • Clue for Evolution: Suggests Asgard microbes were already experimenting with primitive “cytoskeleton” systems, paving way for complex cells.
    [UPSC 2012] Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

    Options:

    (a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

    (b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen*

    (c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

    (d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

     

  • Reforming the steel framework

    Introduction

    Independence Day speeches are often symbolic, but in 2025 the Prime Minister shifted focus to frontier technologies, semiconductors, clean energy, AI, quantum computing, and defence indigenisation. Unlike earlier years, this vision was paired with the acknowledgment that bureaucratic inertia and regulatory red tape remain India’s toughest hurdles. The central challenge is whether India’s governance structures can keep pace with its technological ambitions.

    Significance of the 2025 Speech by the Prime Minister 

    • Future focus: Strong emphasis on frontier areas like semiconductors, EVs, and jet engines.
    • Symbolic push: The PM asked if fighter jet engines should not be Indian-made.
    • Bold promise: India will shed dependency in two decades.
    • Data milestone: India is the largest per capita data consumer (32 GB), ahead of China and the US.

    India’s current position in technology and self-reliance

    • Strength in mid-tech: Success in fintech, data access, and digitisation
    • Emerging hubs: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurugram drive high-tech growth.
    • Import dependency: India depends heavily on imports in semiconductors, defence hardware, AI hardware, and clean energy technologies.
    • Global presence: Firms like Nvidia and IBM rely on India’s talent pool, but domestic ecosystems remain thin.

    Bureaucratic Challenges that obstruct deep-tech ambition

    • Colonial bureaucratic legacy: The Westminster model prioritised control over innovation and accountability.
    • Rigid steel frame: The “steel frame” of the civil services designed to ensure subservience to colonial administrators remains rigid even a century after the Public Service Commission’s creation in 1926.
    • Unrealised reforms: The Veerappa Moily Committee (2005) suggested domain experts and ethics codes-still pending.
    • Lateral entry limits: Attempts at inducting experts face systemic resistance.

    Why are regulatory and judicial reforms critical?

    • Persistent red tape: The Deregulation Commission (2025) was set up to identify redundant compliance norms, but structural bottlenecks persist.
    • Judicial backlog: Slow dispute resolution and investment climate, affectshigh-tech sectors.
    • Comparative lessons:
      • US & China: Despite different models, both empower political leadership over bureaucracy to push national interests.
      • UK: Even Britain debates its bureaucratic model, Dominic Cummings under Boris Johnson pushed for external competition and greater ministerial control.

    How does this link to Viksit Bharat@2047?

    • Ambition vs. architecture: India’s goal of becoming a deep-tech powerhouse is contingent not just on financial investment but on restructuring governance.
    • Symbolic timing: The UPSC centenary in 2026 is a historic chance for overhaul.
    • Future-readiness: Without structural reform, Atmanirbhar Bharat may remain aspirational.

    Conclusion

    India’s ambition to lead in deep-tech must be matched with institutional reform. The PM’s 2025 speech acknowledged that Atmanirbharta is as much about fixing bureaucratic bottlenecks as building jet engines or quantum labs. The centenary of UPSC offers an opportune moment to align India’s governance with its 2047 goals.

    Value Addition
    Committees on Civil Service Reforms

    1. Santhanam Committee (1964)

    • Focus: Preventive corruption measures.
    • Key suggestion: Creation of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

    2. Kothari Committee (1976)

    • Focus: Recruitment and exam structure of Civil Services.
    • Key suggestion: Recommended 3-stage exam (Prelims, Mains, Interview), which is still followed today.

    3. Satish Chandra Committee (1989)

    • Focus: Review of recruitment and selection.
    • Key suggestion: Increased emphasis on aptitude and ethics in recruitment.

    4. Hota Committee (2004)

    • Focus: Ethics, transparency, and performance.
    • Key suggestion: Right to Information, performance-linked incentives, citizen charters.

    5. Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) – Veerappa Moily (2005–2009)

    Most comprehensive civil service reform report (15 volumes). Key suggestions:

    • Lateral entry of domain experts.
    • Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct.
    • Citizen-centric administration
    • Performance-based appraisal system.
    • Training in e-governance and modern management practices

    6. Punchhi Commission (2010) – on Centre-State relations

    • Relevant link: Stressed need for civil service neutrality in federal governance.

    7. Baswan Committee (2016)

    1. Focus: UPSC exam age and attempts.
    2. Key suggestion: Reduce maximum age for UPSC CSE (though not implemented).

    8. Current initiatives 

    • Lateral entry into Joint Secretary and Director-level posts.
    • Mission Karmayogi (2020): National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) to train officers with competency-based framework.
    • Deregulation Commission (2025): Identifying and scrapping redundant compliances.

    Mapping Microthemes

    • GS Paper-II: Civil Service Reform, Regulation, Judiciary
    • GS Paper -III: Tech missions, Defence Indigenisation, Atmanirbhar Bharat
    • GS Paper -IV: Accountability, Ethics in governance

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2016] Civil Services “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.

    Linkage: PM Modi’s Independence Day 2025 address highlighted that despite India’s technological advances, the colonial-era bureaucratic “steel frame” continues to obstruct innovation, investment, and governance reforms. The traditional bureaucratic structure—designed for control rather than development—remains a bottleneck in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. Thus, the speech directly echoes the UPSC 2016 theme that outdated bureaucratic culture hampers socio-economic transformation.

  • Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its heaviest-ever rocket, the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV).

    About Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV):

    • Overview: India’s heaviest rocket under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
    • Purpose: Designed mainly for lunar exploration, including India’s first human mission to the Moon by 2040.
    • Strategic Role: Replaces the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) plan and will support India’s space station programme.
    • Scale: As tall as a 40-storey building, far larger than the current LVM-3.

    Key Features:

    • Payload Capacity: Can carry 80 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 27 tonnes to the Moon, suitable for human-rated spacecraft.
    • Three-stage: Partially reusable super heavy-lift vehicle with:
      • First two stages using liquid propellants.
      • Third stage using cryogenic propellant.
      • Strap-on boosters taller than the entire LVM-3 rocket.
      • 27 engines in the first stage (core + boosters).
    • Timeline: Expected completion by 2035.
    • Indigenous Development: Conceived by ISRO within months; aligned with India’s long-term space exploration goals.

    Future Missions based on LMLV:

    • Human Lunar Mission (2040 target): Capable of carrying 18–20 tonne crew modules for India’s first astronaut landing on the Moon.
    • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Will deploy heavy modules for India’s planned five-module space station by 2035.
    • Lunar Cargo Missions: Can transport ~27 tonnes to the Moon, supporting logistics and lunar infrastructure.
    • Deep Space Exploration: Its heavy-lift capacity could enable interplanetary missions in the 2040s, extending beyond lunar exploration.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

    1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.

    2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

    3.GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

     

    Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only

     

  • [pib] Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

    Why in the News?

    The Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is scheduled to achieve criticality in March 2026 and reach full power generation by December 2026.

    What is a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR)?

    • A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fuel than it consumes, essentially “breeding” more nuclear material to power itself and future reactors.
    • It does this by using high-energy, or “fast,” neutrons to convert abundant, non-fissile uranium (U-238) into fissile plutonium (Pu-239) for fuel.

    About India’s Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):

    • Design began: 1980s as prototype for future 600 MWe FBRs.
    • Timeline: Construction began in 2004, faced delays; cost escalated from ₹3,500 crore to ₹7,700 crore.
    • Capacity: 500 MWe, sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor.
    • Predecessors: It builds on India’s earlier reactors: KAMINI and Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR).
    • Technology: Completely indigenous, designed by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
    • Fuel: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX); later stages to use Thorium-232 to breed fissile U-233.
    • Burnup: 100 GWd/t, reactor life ~40 years.
    • Coolant: 1,750 tonnes of liquid sodium; pool-type design with high thermal inertia.
    • Construction agencies: Uranium-Plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabricated by BARC Tarapur; reactor equipment by BHEL.
    • Site: Kokkilamedu, near Kalpakkam (next to Madras Atomic Power Station).

    Significance in India’s Nuclear Programme:

    • PFBR is the second stage of India’s three-stage programme:
      • Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
      • Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors producing plutonium and U-233 from thorium.
      • Stage 3: Thorium-based U-233 fuel cycle.
    • Enables closed fuel cycle: recovery and recycling of fissile and fertile material from spent nuclear fuel (SNF).
    • Enhances energy security by optimally utilising limited uranium and vast thorium reserves.
    • Reduces radioactive waste through recycling.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:

    1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.

    2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.

    3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Why India needs a national space law

    India is entering a new era of space exploration with  lunar success, Gaganyaan, and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station. Yet, one critical element is missing, a national space law. While India has ratified global treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967), it lacks a domestic legal framework to regulate private participation, ensure liability, and attract investment. As space activities expand beyond government agencies to startups and private players, the absence of clear laws poses risks to accountability, innovation, and global competitiveness.

    The Urgency of a National Space Law

    1. Major milestone vs. missing law: India’s scientific achievements are unmatched, but the legal architecture remains absent, risking accountability gaps.
    2. Private participation: With startups entering, lack of clarity on licensing, FDI rules, liability, and insurance creates operational hurdles.
    3. International responsibility: Under the Outer Space Treaty, India is responsible for both governmental and private activities, yet it lacks the domestic framework to enforce compliance.
    4. Global contrast: Countries like the U.S., Japan, and Luxembourg already have national legislation that provides legal certainty and attracts investment.

    Principles of the Outer Space Treaty

    1. Foundational principles: Space is the province of all mankind, prohibiting national appropriation and militarisation.
    2. State responsibility: Nations are responsible for activities in space, whether by state or private entities.
    3. Liability framework: Countries bear liability for damages caused by their space objects.
    4. Not self-executing: According to UNOOSA, national laws are essential to translate treaty principles into enforceable domestic regulations.

    India’s Incremental Approach to Space Legislation

    1. Methodical strategy: India is incremental and cautious, ensuring technical regulations precede overarching law.
    2. Catalogue of Indian Standards: A framework to ensure safety of space operations.
    3. Indian Space Policy (ISP), 2023: Encourages non-governmental participation in space activities.
    4. IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NPG): Provide procedures for authorisation of space activities.
    5. Pending gap: The broader Space Activities Law that incorporates treaty obligations is still not enacted.

    Industry Concerns and Operational Challenges

    1. Statutory authority gap: IN-SPACe lacks formal legal backing, leaving decisions open to procedural challenges.
    2. Licensing and delays: Companies face multiple ministry clearances, creating uncertainty.
    3. FDI rules: Industry demands clarity, such as 100% automatic FDI in satellite components to attract capital.
    4. Liability and insurance: While India is internationally liable, companies need affordable third-party insurance to cover risks.
    5. Intellectual property protection: Current frameworks risk talent and tech migration to IP-friendly nations.
    6. Space debris management: Absence of mandatory accident investigations and debris laws increases operational risks.

    The Importance of Affordable Insurance for Space Startups

    1. High-value assets: Satellites and payloads involve massive investments; startups cannot absorb losses alone.
    2. Global liability: India bears responsibility internationally, so private players must secure third-party insurance.
    3. Investor confidence: Insurance frameworks encourage investors, reducing risk aversion.
    4. Innovation support: Affordable insurance ensures startups can experiment and grow, without fear of crippling liability.

    Conclusion

    India’s space programme has made historic strides, but without a comprehensive national space law, its progress risks being undermined by regulatory gaps. A forward-looking framework ensuring clarity, liability management, insurance, IP protection, and statutory backing for IN-SPACe is essential to balance innovation with responsibility. The future of India’s space leadership will depend as much on strong laws as on strong rockets.

    Value Addition
    • UNOOSA Insight: National laws act as the domestic enabler of international obligations. Without them, treaty principles remain unenforceable.
    • Comparative Perspective:
      • United States: Commercial Space Launch Act allows private launches with liability coverage.
      • Luxembourg: Pioneered space mining rights to attract global investors.
      • Japan: Provides licensing, insurance, and debris mitigation guidelines.
    • Governance Lens: Reflects the larger theme of state capacity to regulate frontier technologies, similar to how data protection laws govern digital economies.
    • Economic Angle: A robust legal framework will strengthen India’s space economy, valued at nearly $9.6 billion (2020) and projected to grow to $13 billion by 2025.
    • Investor Confidence: Insurance frameworks, clear FDI rules, and IP protection create a trustworthy ecosystem for global investors.
    • Security Dimension: Dual-use nature of space technologies necessitates clarity in export controls and defence linkages.
    • Ethical Dimension: Covers responsibility towards space debris management and sustainability of outer space as a global commons.

    Mapping Microthemes

    • GS Paper II (Governance, International Relations):
      • Outer Space Treaty (1967) – India’s obligations and global responsibility
      • Role of UNOOSA – multilateral governance of outer space
      • Need for National Legislation – predictability, legal clarity, statutory backing for IN-SPACe
    • GS Paper III (Science & Technology, Economy, Security):
      • Growth of India’s Space Economy – Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, startups, private players
      • Insurance and Liability – affordability for startups, international responsibility for damages
      • Intellectual Property Rights – preventing brain drain, encouraging innovation
      • Space Debris Management – sustainability and accident investigation procedures
      • Dual-Use Technology Challenge – balancing civilian and defence aspects
    • GS Paper IV (Ethics & Governance):
      • Accountability in Outer Space – who bears liability for damage?
      • Ethics of Space Exploration – sustainability, “province of mankind” principle
      • Equitable Access – preventing monopolisation of space resources by few nations

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

    Linkage: While India’s space achievements like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan highlight scientific progress, the absence of a national space law shows a governance gap. A legal framework is crucial to translate these achievements into sustainable socio-economic gains through private participation, investment, and accountability.

     

  • Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

    Why in the News?

    India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha).

    Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

    What are Ballistic Missiles?

    • Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward.
    • Three phases:
      • Boost Phase – missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed.
      • Midcourse Phase – missile coasts in space on momentum.
      • Terminal Phase – warheads re-enter atmosphere and strike target.

    About Agni-5:

    • Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) developed by DRDO.
    • Range: 5,000–5,500 km (upgrade under development up to 7,500 km).
    • Propulsion: Three-stage, solid-fuel rocket motors.
    • Payload: ~1.5 tonnes, nuclear-capable.
    • Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology: Can carry multiple nuclear warheads that target different locations.
    • Features: Fire-and-forget system, advanced navigation, guidance and propulsion technologies.
    • First Test: 2012 from Wheeler Island (Odisha).
    • Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence posture, especially vis-à-vis China.

    Back2Basics: Agni Series and its Development

    • Origins: Began in 1983 under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
    • Evolution: Started as technology demonstrators for re-entry vehicles; later developed into full-fledged strategic missiles.
    • Variants:
      • Agni-I: 700–1,200 km range, inducted 2007.
      • Agni-II: 2,000–3,000 km range, inducted 2010.
      • Agni-III: 3,500 km range, highly accurate, tested 2007.
      • Agni-IV: 4,000 km range, advanced avionics, tested 2011.
      • Agni-V: 5,000+ km range, ICBM, MIRV capable.
      • Agni Prime (Agni-P): 1,000–2,000 km, lighter, tested 2021.
      • Agni-VI: Under development, 6,000–10,000 km, MIRV + submarine launch capable.
    • Significance: Backbone of India’s nuclear triad, enhancing deterrence against regional and global adversaries.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene 

    Why in the News?

    German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability.

    Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene 

    About Pseudomonas aeruginosa:

    • Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments.
    • Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened immunity.
    • Resistance: Forms biofilms (protective layers), making it highly resistant to antibiotics.
    • Genetic Flexibility: Large genome (~6,000 genes) allows adaptation to diverse environments.

    Impact on Humans:

    • Hospital Infections: Leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
    • Vulnerable Groups: Burn patients, catheter users, cystic fibrosis patients.
    • Diseases Caused: Keratitis (eye infection), urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.
    • Mortality: Strong antibiotic resistance makes treatment difficult, leading to high hospital deaths.

    Recent Research Findings:

    • Discovery: German researchers identified bistable expression of the glpD gene (active in some cells, inactive in others).
    • Survival Advantage: This variability helps bacteria survive hostile conditions and trigger infections even from small populations.
    • Experiments:
      • Cells with glpD active were more lethal in moth larvae and mouse immune models.
      • Cells without glpD showed reduced infection ability.
    • Significance: On–off switching of glpD is a survival and infection strategy; targeting this mechanism may lead to new treatments for resistant infections.
    [UPSC 2010] Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolated by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?

    Options: (a) Agrodbacterium (b) Clostridium (c) Nitrosomonas (d) Pseudomonas*